The Ferry Sinks

[Vikenz 1162]

The Defense of Providence

20th of Godfrey’s Triumph, 1867

 

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The cavalry duel between the Ferrymen mercenaries and the men of Mardon during the Battle of Ferry’s Folly, 1867

 

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   The petitions of court had only just been underway when a sharp cry was heard from the front of Providence, ceasing the dull roar that had overtaken the crowds seeking audience with the Emperor.

 

   “Enemy at the gates!”

 

   The room fell silent, aghast. Today was not supposed to be a day of battle and bloodshed. The Imperial State Army had been dissolved and replaced by the new Imperial Legion only moments before, and the atmosphere of the city had lulled into a peaceful waltz- in part due to the lack of any recent attacks upon the Heartlands. However, with the infamous Ferrymen mercenaries lurking just outside the city, it was apparent to all that a fortuitous battle must be had. The newly-formed Imperial Legion, led by the Emperor and his heir, the Duke of Petra, quickly assembled by the gates. At the front were the freeriders of Mardon, commanded by Andrezj Barrow the Bastard of Reutov, and Edmond de Rouen alongside the heavy cavalry of Blackvale, led by Willem van Aert.

 

   The force advanced upon the Ferrymen, making their way to Jarad’s Tavern as the brigands drew back, patiently maneuvering to a vantage point. For a while, the two forces were locked into a skirmish. Abrem Draskovic barked out orders as they engaged in a game of cat and mouse. Neither side seemed willing to commit. However, the dance could only continue for so long, and slowly the Ferrymen made their push. The Bastard of Reutov and his second, Edmond de Rouen, decided now was the time to strike. They shot forth at the front of the cavalry, calling for all with them to charge.

 

   Back and forth the battle went on. Push and counterpush. Soldiers from both sides fell, but the numbers of the Ferrymen began to slowly whittle away. Eventually, the Emperor and the Bastard gave the call.

 

   “GIVE NO HALT TO OUR ADVANCE, GIVE NO QUARTER TO THE WICKED! PUSH THEM BACK TO URGUAN SO THEY MAY PERISH ON THEIR HOME SOIL!”

   It was as they spoke. The battered ranks of the Legion, the tiring riders and their horses, the officers hoarse from barking commands, all joined together in the final surge. The remaining Ferrymen broke and were swiftly cut down by the advancing Imperials. Those scant few who survived fled to the hills, regrouping to fight another day.  The victorious Imperials returned home to Providence, celebrating their victory and tending to their wounded. The new Imperial Legion’s first test had ended in victory, while the men of Mardon and Blackvale had confirmed their unmatched prowess in the field. However, the conflict had not yet ended, and there would be far more bloodshed to come.

[Shmeepicus 4213]

Ivan var Ruthern sat in Barrow's Crossing upon the island of Lake Providence. He brought something, wrapped in burlap to his wayward bastard. 

 

“What is it vy have brought?” The Barrow asked, his brows lofting as he looked upon it.

 

“A gift, something that vy will turn into an heirloom of this house. Something that resembles that of which should be in our possession- but is far away from here.”

 

Slowly, he unwrapped the burlap- revealing that of a one-handed warhammer, ornately designed with the grace of an experienced artisan. 

 

“We may niet have Ruther’s Warhammer- but that does niet mean we can’t make our own heirlooms that shall be witnessed and remembered in history.” The Duke remarked, nodding his head shortly. “Take it, see to it that this weapon is used to split the skulls of the Dwarves and their allies. Paint the battlefields with their blood. Make a name for vyrself- as I know vy shall, for vy are a Barrow, of the bloodline of Ruther Barrow.”

 

The Barrow, Andrezj- took up the weapon with a fondness, he was only fourteen then.. a boy still, yet he glanced over it with a curious expression. He flipped it between his hands, getting a feeling for the weight of it.

 

“Use it in the coming battles, bring glory to vyr name and vyr namesake, Andrezj.”

 

A quick but affirmative dip of his head. “I will.”

 

***

 

On the fields outside Providence, Andrezj trotted upon his horseback, at the forefront of the Orenian forces alongside his trusted retainer Edmond de Rouen and Abrem Draskovic. That hammer was clasped in his hand as he glanced to his comrades. He offered a short nod- in which they returned it. “Charge! For the Empire! Give them no quarter!” He cried, before leading the charge into the Ferrymen line.

 

The Duke of Reutov was close behind, in the second line of cavalrymen, his horse galloping forth, the Duke with a grin on his face as he watched his son take command of their forces, leading the Empire to victory against an experienced and courageous foe.

[OP bandamont 901]

Anton shaked his head as he sat in his house in Providence with a bunch of bandages around his head

[Da_Emperors 1987]

Surrounded by his fellow countrymen and comrades he raised his blade at the abbey! He screamed, "We stand together against anyone whom wishes harm against our own and our lands! To the men and women of Arichsdorf, of Blackvale, of the Imperial Legion, and but of course the common Orenian that shall not let our nation see harm! Long love the Empire and the Crown! All glory to God!" He would move into the place of prayer afterwards as he went to offer his prayers. 

[Diogen 3729]

The 'ker is too stunned to speak.

[JoshBright 3014]

Sir Jarad Munnel would sheathe his blade and walk back to providence with a cry of "Ave Oren"

 

Spoiler

Good Fight Guys!

 

[Nectorist 12869]

Philip III returns home with the Imperial Legion, proud that they were victorious in their first engagement!

[Nord 346]

The 15 year old Augustus returned to his chateau in Providence with bloodied sword in hand, nearly being trapped in the ferrymen tower 

[Ryanark 2738]

Hannes stood at the precipice of salvation as he was heaved off the battlefield by stretcher, muted as he always were.

[MRCHENN 4741]

“Damn, wish I was there.” Says Derfy VI, Pontiff of the Derfeyist church, unfortunately missing the battle as he eats curry from his home 

[subatomic 1497]

"Annoying people, I just wanted to attend court." he would say with his bloody sword in hand.

[MapleSunflower 1889]

Dr. Primrose Gendik did not stay at the court to stand guard. No one had their job properly for years - and knowing well this would be a major court - she stood guard at the gates. Sorting through visitors, she kept inventory on who came in and from where...

And then the predictable happened. The ferrymen rode right into the metal bars of the gates - locked out from their desired location. Vyllaenen called out to the soldier "You owe me!"

 

"F' off" The woman muttered as she grabbed the bell's hammer and prepared to swing.

"Enemy at the gate!" She cried as the bell was rung, the people gathered in the court now charged towards the gates to meet their foe. The boys in green sped off - they were no match for the unified strength of the Orenians!

[ChefDeuce 116]

Jeffrey wipes the generous amount of blood from the three men he killed, off of his blade . A smile of content painted across his expression. “Ave Oren” he spoke aloud.

[Autty 165]

Adelheid Antonina praised the Mardonic men for their success in the battle.